8886933

Streamlined Provisioning and Configuration of Computing Devices

PublishedNovember 11, 2014
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
17 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method performed by a computing device, comprising: if the computing device is in a provisioned state, requesting a reset of the computing device; if the computing device is in an unprovisioned state, receiving, by the computing device, information indicating 1) a uniform resource identifier (URI) and 2) a wireless access point configured to allow the computing device to connect to a wireless network to enable the computing device to access the URI; downloading, onto the computing device, a provisioning software application from the URI; executing, by the computing device, the provisioning software application, wherein the provisioning software application is configured to provision the computing device such that the provisioned computing device is configured to operate in a limited function mode, and wherein the limited function mode comprises at least a list of software applications allowed on the computing device, restricting a functionality of one or more functions of one or more software applications on the computing device and preventing a removal of one or more software applications on the computing device; and locking the provisioned computing device to prevent changes to the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein prior to executing the provisioning software application on the computing device, the computing device is unprovisioned such that the computing device is unregistered and unable to operate in the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) specifies that the computing device must be in a completely unconfigured state *before* the provisioning app runs. This ensures that the device isn't already registered or able to operate in the limited function mode before being provisioned.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the limited function mode of the provisioned computing device further comprises preventing any additional software applications.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) further restricts the limited function mode by preventing users from installing *any* additional applications after provisioning.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the information indicating a wireless access point includes an authentication key configured to establish a secure connection between the computing device and the wireless network.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) specifies that the WiFi access point information includes an authentication key. This key is used to establish a secure, encrypted connection between the device and the wireless network before the device can download the provisioning app.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the limited function mode of the provisioned computing device further comprises preventing a reset of the computing device.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) adds to the limited function mode the inability to perform a factory reset on the device. This ensures the limited functionality remains enforced.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the provisioned computing device further includes a certificate configured to grant the computing device access to the wireless network.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) includes a digital certificate installed on the device. This certificate allows the provisioned computing device to access the specified wireless network after the provisioning process.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the provisioning software application is configured to access one or more URIs to download a plurality of software applications for execution in the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

The method of claim 1 (A computing device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not configured, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a special "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting which apps can be used, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) describes that the provisioning app itself downloads other software applications required for the limited function mode from one or more specified web addresses (URIs).

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A non-transitory computer readable memory storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform functions comprising: if the computing device is in a provisioned state, requesting a reset of the computing device; if the computing device is in an unprovisioned state, receiving information indicating 1) a uniform resource identifier (URI) and 2) a wireless access point configured to allow the computing device to connect to a wireless network to enable the computing device to access the URI; downloading, onto the computing device, a provisioning software application from the URI; executing the provisioning software application, wherein the provisioning software application is configured to provision the computing device such that the provisioned computing device is configured to operate in a limited function mode, and wherein the limited function mode comprises at least a list of software applications allowed on the computing device, restricting a functionality of one or more functions of one or more software applications on the computing device and preventing a removal of one or more software applications on the computing device; and locking the provisioned computing device to prevent changes to the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

A non-transitory computer-readable medium (like a USB drive or SSD) stores instructions. When these instructions are executed by a computing device, the device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8 , wherein prior to executing the provisioning software application on the computing device, the computing device is unprovisioned such that the computing device is unregistered and unable to operate in the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable medium of claim 8 (A non-transitory computer-readable medium (like a USB drive or SSD) stores instructions. When these instructions are executed by a computing device, the device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) specifies that the computing device must be in a completely unconfigured state *before* the provisioning app runs. This ensures that the device isn't already registered or able to operate in the limited function mode before being provisioned.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8 , wherein the information indicating a wireless access point includes an authentication key configured to establish a secure connection between the computing device and the wireless network.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable medium of claim 8 (A non-transitory computer-readable medium (like a USB drive or SSD) stores instructions. When these instructions are executed by a computing device, the device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) specifies that the WiFi access point information includes an authentication key. This key is used to establish a secure, encrypted connection between the device and the wireless network before the device can download the provisioning app.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8 , wherein the limited function mode of the provisioned computing device further comprises preventing a reset of the computing device.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable medium of claim 8 (A non-transitory computer-readable medium (like a USB drive or SSD) stores instructions. When these instructions are executed by a computing device, the device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) adds to the limited function mode the inability to perform a factory reset on the device. This ensures the limited functionality remains enforced.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The non-transitory computer readable memory of claim 8 , wherein the provisioning software application is configured to access one or more URIs to download a plurality of software applications for execution in the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

The computer-readable medium of claim 8 (A non-transitory computer-readable medium (like a USB drive or SSD) stores instructions. When these instructions are executed by a computing device, the device automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If the device is already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. If not, it receives a web address (URI) and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that web address and runs it. This app sets the device into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the device locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) describes that the provisioning app itself downloads other software applications required for the limited function mode from one or more specified web addresses (URIs).

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. A system comprising: one or more processors; and data storage storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform functions comprising: if the system is in a provisioned state, requesting a reset of the system; if the system is in an unprovisioned state, receiving information indicating 1) an IP address, 2) a file path, and 3) a wireless access point configured to allow the system to connect to a wireless network to enable the computing device to access the file path at the IP address; downloading a provisioning software application from the file path at the IP address; executing the provisioning software application, wherein the provisioning software application is configured to provision the system such that the provisioned system operates in a limited function mode, and wherein the limited function mode comprises at least a list of software applications allowed in the system, restricting a functionality of one or more functions of one or more software applications in the system and preventing a removal of one or more software applications in the system; and locking the provisioned system to prevent changes to the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

A system with processors and storage automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. Otherwise, it receives an IP address, a file path at that IP, and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that file path. This app sets the system into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the system locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the limited function mode of the provisioned computing device further comprises preventing any additional software applications.

Plain English Translation

The system of claim 13 (A system with processors and storage automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. Otherwise, it receives an IP address, a file path at that IP, and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that file path. This app sets the system into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the system locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) further restricts the limited function mode by preventing users from installing *any* additional applications after provisioning.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the information indicating a wireless access point includes an authentication key configured to establish a secure connection between the computing device and the wireless network.

Plain English Translation

The system of claim 13 (A system with processors and storage automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. Otherwise, it receives an IP address, a file path at that IP, and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that file path. This app sets the system into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the system locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) specifies that the WiFi access point information includes an authentication key. This key is used to establish a secure, encrypted connection between the device and the wireless network before the device can download the provisioning app.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The system of claim 13 , wherein the limited function mode of the provisioned system further comprises preventing a reset of the system.

Plain English Translation

The system of claim 13 (A system with processors and storage automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. Otherwise, it receives an IP address, a file path at that IP, and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that file path. This app sets the system into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the system locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) adds to the limited function mode the inability to perform a factory reset on the system. This ensures the limited functionality remains enforced.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The system of claim 13 , wherein the provisioning software application is configured to access one or more URIs to download a plurality of software applications for execution in the limited function mode.

Plain English Translation

The system of claim 13 (A system with processors and storage automatically configures itself for limited functionality. If already configured (provisioned), it requests a reset. Otherwise, it receives an IP address, a file path at that IP, and WiFi access point details. It downloads a "provisioning" app from that file path. This app sets the system into a limited mode, restricting allowed apps, limiting features of existing apps, and preventing app removal. Finally, the system locks itself to prevent users from changing these restrictions.) describes that the provisioning app itself downloads other software applications required for the limited function mode from one or more specified web addresses (URIs).

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

November 11, 2014

Inventors

Benjamin Poiesz
Andrew Abramson

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STREAMLINED PROVISIONING AND CONFIGURATION OF COMPUTING DEVICES